Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal, Ed.D., known commonly as "Shaq", is an American former professional basketball player who is a sports analyst on the television program Inside the NBA. O'Neal is regarded as one of the greatest basketball players and centers of all time.
Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal was born on March 6, 1972 in Newark, New Jersey. His zodiac sign is Pisces and his ethnicity is African-American. He is the son of Lucille O’Neal and Joseph Toney, who were both an influence in his life growing up. O’Neal attended Robert G. Cole High School in San Antonio, Texas, where he joined the basketball team and was named MVP for three consecutive years. He then attended Louisiana State University and became one of the most dominant college players of all time.
In 1992, he declared for the NBA Draft and was selected by the Orlando Magic as the first overall pick. During his rookie season with the Magic, he won Rookie of the Year honors and was voted to his first All-Star Game appearance. In 1996, he signed with the Los Angeles Lakers and went on to lead them to three consecutive NBA Championships (2000–02). O’Neal also earned MVP honors at the 2000 NBA Finals.
After a brief stint with several other teams including Miami Heat and Phoenix Suns, O'Neal returned to play for the Cavaliers in 2009. He retired from professional basketball after playing 19 seasons in 2010. Throughout his career he was a 15-time All-Star player, four-time NBA champion, three-time NBA Finals MVP, two-time Olympic gold medalist (1996 & 2000), two-time scoring champion and one time league MVP recipient (2000).
Post retirement from basketball, O'Neal has gone on to become an analyst on Inside The NBA for TNT Network as well as an entrepreneur with investments in restaurants such as Five Guys Burgers & Fries and Papa John's Pizza franchises.
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1972</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Shaquille O'Neal is Born</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">On March 6, 1972, Shaquille O'Neal was born in Newark, New Jersey.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1989</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Attends LSU</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">O'Neal accepted a scholarship to Louisiana State University, where he began his college career.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1992</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">1st Pick in NBA Draft</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">On June 24, 1992, Shaquille O'Neal was drafted first overall by the Orlando Magic.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1994</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Named NBA All-Star</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">O'Neal was named an All-Star for the first time in 1994.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1996</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Lakers Sign Shaq</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">O'Neal signs a seven year $120 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2000</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Wins 1st NBA Championship</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Leads the Lakers to their first championship since 1988 and is named MVP of the Finals.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2009</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Retires from the NBA</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Officially retires from the NBA after 19 seasons.</p></div>
<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">A.</span> He's a Big Personality</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Shaquille O'Neal is known for his big personality both on and off the court. On the court, Shaq was known for being an intimidating presence and a dominant force. Off the court, he has made people laugh with his humorous commercials, interviews, and television appearances.</p></div>
<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">B.</span> He Was a Great Teammate</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Shaq was always a great teammate during his playing career. He was often seen encouraging and motivating players on his team during games. He was also very generous with his time by hosting charity events and helping out with community initiatives.</p></div>
<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">C.</span> He's A Great Philanthropist </h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Shaquille O'Neal is also an incredible philanthropist. He has donated millions of dollars to various charities and foundations throughout his career. From donating money to schools to setting up after school programs, Shaq's giving heart is something to be admired.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">1.</span> Won 4 NBA Championships</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Shaquille O'Neal is a four time NBA champion, winning with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2000 and 2001, the Miami Heat in 2006 and the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">2.</span> Largest Player in NBA History</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Shaquille O'Neal is one of the largest players in NBA history at 7' 1" tall and 325 pounds, making him a dominant force on the court.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">3.</span> Holds Multiple Records</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Shaquille O'Neal holds multiple records including most field goals made in a career (12,921), most free throws made in a career (7,150) and most points scored in a single game (61).</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">4.</span> First Rapper to Have His Own Sneaker</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Shaquille O'Neal was the first rapper to have his own sneaker line when he signed with Reebok in 1992. The shoes were extremely popular and sold out quickly.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">5.</span> Only Player to Play for 6 Different Teams</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Shaquille O'Neal is the only player to play for six different teams including the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics.</p></div>